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Time for a new amplifier?

rileysaudio

rileysaudio

Active Member
I have been thinking about buying a newer, more powerful amplifier for my Polk SDA 1Cs. I currently have a NAD 3400 Integrated amp. It is a great amplifier, but I am just thinking that it might not be living up to it's specs anymore and the 1Cs could use some more power. I have been looking at Emotiva's amplifiers, especially the XPA-3. Any recommendations for a good amplifier to look out for used or new?
 
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Riley, I have (and have had for over a decade) a pair of Polk SDA2's. I have driven them with everything from a 20 watt Pioneer SX 424 and Nakamich 2 through Larger Pioneer Recievers seperates like my Audio Design 100 wpc and Crown DC300a's both bridged and in Stereo.

The Big Polks sound better with increases of power and quality. While not "Great" squeekers the Polks will do, especially when SPL in excess of 100 db is desired.

I've just set up a system in a spare bedroom to do some speaker testing.. an currently am testing a pair of Polk Monitors (5.5 in woofer x 2 in tweeter sorry no model badge) and a pair of KEF C10's of similar size. I noticed that the "little" Polks have a very similar "family" sound. Much like the SDA2's without the Bass. The KEF's are a different matter altogether.

My suggestion is to drive those Polks. 150-250 watts of serious power isn't out of the question, especially if you want to hear them at their best. More power (and volume) opens up their midrange making it listenable, increasing the detail an removing the muzzle from what can be a nice reproducer.

My two cents, same value as yours !
 
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